Top Ten Tuesday: Childhood Characters I'd Love to Revisit as Adults

Apparently I didn't have much of a childhood because I can only think of a handful of characters for this particular list. Or maybe I just can't remember that many books I read when I was a kid because I didn't have Goodreads back then to help me keep track. Anyway, here's my abbreviated Top Ten Childhood Characters I'd Love to Revisit:

5) Julie from Julie of the Wolves

I read this book numerous times when I was younger - it's definitely one of the reasons I love wolves so much. I like to think that Julie would go on to be an animal activist of some kind, particularly one whose main focus is protecting the wolves she loves so much.

4) Matilda from Matilda

I like to think Matilda would grow up to be an awesome teacher or librarian and still uses her magic to help children.

3) Stuart Little from Stuart Little

Anyone else wonder what became of the little talking mouse? Did he ever find Margalo? Or is he still traveling the world searching for her?

2) Charlie from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

One of two things happened to Charlie Bucket: either he got super fat and had to undergo gastric bypass surgery or he became a health nut and now follows a strict sugar-free diet. There is no in between. 

1) Harry Potter from the Harry Potter series

Of course, we Harry Potter fans are going to get a glimpse of what Harry is like as an adult with the upcoming Potter play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child but I personally would love to see a book series (or at least a short story) about Harry's career as an Auror. 

Top Ten Tuesday is an original bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Suicide Reviews: Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection by Marissa Meyer

  

Summary: The universe of the Lunar Chronicles holds stories - and secrets - that are wondrous, vicious, and romantic. How did Cinder first arrive in New Beijing? How did the brooding soldier Wolf transform from young man to killer? When did Princess Winter and the palace guard Jacin realize their destinies? 

With nine stories - five of which have never before been published - and a special bonus excerpt from Marissa Meyer's upcoming novel, Heartless, about the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland, Stars Above is essential for fans of the bestselling and beloved Lunar Chronicles.

Date Published: February 2, 2016

Published By: Feiwel & Friends

Number of Pages: 369

Rating: 5/5

This is the perfect companion of short stories to the Lunar Chronicles. I love how it's not just a collection of previously published material - we get FIVE new stories! (Including a wedding between two of the major characters!)

It's no surprise that I loved each and every single story in this collection but there were a few standouts: 'Carswell's Guide to Being Lucky' shows us what our favorite rogue captain was like during his schoolboy days; 'The Princess and the Guard' is a heartbreaking story about the relationship between Winter and Jacin and reveals why Winter stopped using her Lunar gift; 'The Little Android' is a remarkable retelling of 'The Little Mermaid' about an android who wishes to become human; and 'Something Old, Something New' is the aforementioned wedding story.

I love how the stories are arranged chronologically and 'Something Old, Something New' serves as the perfect epilogue to the series. I had a big, stupid grin on my face after I finished reading it. It was almost too cute. But what would the Lunar Chronicles be without those gush-worthy moments?

This is a must read for Lunartics if you (like me) had serious withdrawals after reading Winter. Now I just have to wait for Heartless and the graphic novels featuring Iko! 

Suicide Reviews: This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

Summary: Graham Larkin and Ellie O'Neill meet - albeit virtually - when Graham accidentally sends Ellie an e-mail about his pet pig, Wilbur. The two seventeen-year-olds strike up an e-mail relationship, even though they don't even know each other's first name. 

In a witty and unforgettable correspondence, Graham and Ellie share details about their lives, hopes, and fears. But they don't tell each other everything: Graham doesn't know the secret hidden in Ellie's family tree, and Ellie is unaware of Graham's life in the spotlight.

When Graham seizes an opportunity to spend time in Ellie's tiny hometown of Henley, Maine, he takes their relationship from online to in person. But can two people from such different worlds be together despite the odds stacked against them? 

Date Published: April 2, 2013

Published By: Headline

Number of Pages: 404

Rating: 4/5

This book is meant to be read in the summer. It evokes the season so vividly that I felt I should be wearing a bikini and sipping on lemonade while I read it. But seeing as I read it while it's still technically winter, I had to settle for cozy socks and hot chocolate instead.

The one word that sums up This Is What Happy Looks Like is adorable. This is an adorable story with two adorable characters and it's all wrapped up in a sweet, adorable ending. It's pure, sugary fluff but you know what? There is absolutely nothing wrong with fluffy books. Sometimes you want to read something that is made up of sunshine, rainbows and unicorns.

Okay, I'm making this book sound like there's no depth to it but there is some really great character development going on and Graham and Ellie have to overcome obstacles in their budding relationship. I thought it was really interesting how Jennifer E. Smith explored what it might be like for a regular person to date a movie star. Graham and Ellie have to deal with paparazzi, overprotective mothers, and interfering managers.

Overall, This Is What Happy Looks Like is a fun, contemporary romance and will appeal to fans of romantic comedies like You've Got Mail and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton.

Suicide Reviews: Da Vinci's Tiger by L.M. Elliott

  

Synopsis: The beautiful, witty daughter of a wealthy family, Ginevra de' Benci longs to share her poetry and participate in the artistic ferment of Renaissance Florence. But she is trapped in an arranged marriage in a society dictated by men, expected to limit her creativity to household duties.

When charismatic Venetian ambassador Bernardo Bembo arrives in Florence, he introduces Ginevra to a dazzling circle of patrons, artists, and philosophers - a world of thought and conversation she has yearned for. She is attracted to the handsome newcomer, yet conflicted about his attentions. Choosing Ginevra as his Platonic muse, Bembo commissions her portrait by a young Leonardo da Vinci. Posing for the brilliant painter inspires a captivating intimacy between them. In a vivid backdrop of exquisite art, jousts, and festivals, the young poet faces many challenges to discover her voice, artistic companionship, and a love that defies categorization. In the end, she and Leonardo are caught up in a deadly battle between powerful families.

In this beautifully written exploration of a real-life Renaissance woman, L.M. Elliott delivers the stunning tale of Ginevra de' Benci, captured forever in Leonardo da Vinci's first portrait, a painting that broke convention and established the master as a force of artistic honesty.

Date Published: November 10, 2015

Published By: Katherine Tegan Books

Number of Pages: 287

Rating: 3.5/5

It's been a while since I've read a historical fiction novel based on a real-life person. Before I picked up Da Vinci's Tiger I had never even heard of Ginevra de' Benci. Apparently, her portrait is famous for being the only da Vinci painting to reside in the Americas. (Something else I didn't know.) If I got nothing else from this book, I at least picked up some cool art trivia. 

Thankfully, I did get more out of this book then just some art facts. There is some incredibly rich imagery in this novel that goes hand in hand with the art theme. The joust scene at the beginning of the book is especially vivid and immediately hooked me into the story while at the same time establishing the time period. 

The book takes place in Florence during the Renaissance age. L.M. Elliott establishes her story firmly in reality through extensive research - almost all of the characters in her novel are based on real-life people. She also weaves a lot of background information about everyday society in 15th-century Florence. While there is some fascinating stuff in here, I find sometimes that the author relies too much on exposition - 'telling' the reader instead of 'showing' them. 

What I loved most about this book was its feminist message - Ginevra struggles to have her voice heard in her male-dominated society. Forming a tentative friendship with Leonardo and exchanging ideas with him helps her to unleash her creativity and take charge of her own life. 

Another thing I love about Ginevra is that she remains true to herself throughout the story. Some readers might bemoan the lack of romance but the book isn't really about that - it's about a young girl struggling to be seen as her own person instead of something that men can objectify and use for their own spiritual or material gain. Ginevra is tempted at times to give in to her more romantic side but in the end, she is able to discern for herself what true love really means. 

The story is a little slow at times and I wished the relationship between Ginevra and Leonardo could have developed a little more but overall, this is a great historical YA novel that will appeal to those who are interested in the Renaissance period. 

Da Vinci's Tiger is the January 2016 pick for the We the Book Dragons book club. You can find them on Goodreads and Instagram. 

Suicide Reviews: The Winner's Crime (The Winner's Trilogy #2) by Marie Rutkoski

 

Synopsis: A royal wedding means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin's freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself? 

Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She's working as a spy in the court. If caught, she'll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can't help searching for a way to change her ruthless world...and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret.

This dazzling follow-up to The Winner's Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

Date Published: March 3, 2015

Published By: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Number of Pages: 402

Rating: 5/5

I can sum up The Winner's Crime in one word: heartbreaking.

Here's why you should read it.

Kestrel continues to be a total badass, playing dangerous political games with the Valorian emperor in order to keep Arin safe. Unfortunately, this involves deceiving Arin to such an extent that he no longer trusts her. This, of course, leads to disastrous consequences and a devastating ending. 

The political machinations in The Winner's Crime are even more intricate and compelling than they were in the first book. Kestrel navigates through the highest levels of power with a corresponding level of risk. Arin, too is involved in risky politics as the new governor of Herran. Neither Arin nor Kestrel escape unscathed as they weave through the various power plays and treachery. 

I've always been partial to forbidden love stories but the Winner's series deals with the trope in a wonderfully fresh way. Neither Kestrel nor Arin are willing to do whatever it takes to be together - they both have other things to consider, other loyalties. But they can't help but love each other and this is what makes the story so devastating - whatever they try to do to protect each other only drives them further apart. 

Fans of traditional romance novels might not care for this book - there aren't a lot of gush-worthy moments between Arin and Kestrel in this installment in the series. The romance in the Winner's trilogy has a different heart to it - it is more real and more painful but ultimately, it will resonate with readers because it is honest and deep. 

 I'm glad The Winner's Crime is not the ending to the series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the third and final book. 

Suicide Reviews: The Winner's Curse (The Winner's Trilogy #1) by Marie Rutkoski

  

Synopsis: As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. 

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - with unexpected consequences. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner's Curse is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Date Published: March 4, 2014

Published By: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Number of Pages: 355

Rating: 5/5

I am completely in awe of this book. It is everything I'm looking for in a romantic historical fantasy. The world-building is incredible, the characters are well-rounded and complex, and the writing is beautiful and lush.

Marie Rutkoski has managed to create a realistic fantasy world of astonishing complexity and depth. The two warring nations, the Valorians and the Herrani, each have their own separate cultures, histories, and languages. The world is so incredibly imaginative that I can feel the history lurking beneath the surface even if it isn't spelled out on the page. This is the kind of world-building that sucks you in and immerses you until you feel as if the story can't possibly be fiction - it must be based on fact. I think that's what every fantasy author strives to do and Marie Rutkoski has mastered it brilliantly - she even makes it look easy.

Kestrel might just be my new favorite heroine in YA fantasy literature. What I love most about her is that, unlike some YA heroines, she is unskilled with using weapons. She's not totally inadequate - she does know how to defend herself. But let's just say Katniss Everdeen could teach her a thing or two about how to use a bow and arrow.

Kestrel has different strengths- for one, she is incredibly smart and tactical. She assesses situations, analyzes her enemies, and uses her wits to gain the upper hand. She's not particularly romantic - which makes it so much more satisfying when she realizes that she has feelings for Arin.

The love between Arin and Kestrel is nowhere near instantaneous - Arin hates Kestrel at first, and everything she represents. Kestrel has her own prejudices about the Herrani but gradually overcomes them as she gets to know Arin. Both Arin and Kestrel are loyal to their respective tribes which makes the love between them even more devastating - they must choose between their love for each other and their loyalty to their people.

The ending is spectacular, wrapping up the first book perfectly but still leaving things open-ended enough for the sequel. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book.

The Winner's Curse is perfect for fans of romantic fantasy - it's a complex, heartbreaking story that will leave you wanting more. If you loved Kristin Cashore's Graceling series, you'll love The Winner's Curse.

Suicide Reviews: The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave #2) by Rick Yancey

 

Synopsis: How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid them of their humanity.

Cassie Sullivan and her companions lived through the Others' four waves of destruction. Now, with the human race nearly exterminated and the 5th Wave rolling across the landscape, they face a choice: brace for winter and hope for Evan Walker's return, or set out in search of other survivors before the enemy closes in. Because the next attack is more than possible - it's inevitable.

No one can anticipate the depths to which the Others will sink, nor the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.

Date Published: September 16, 2014

Published By: Putnam Juvenile

Number of Pages: 300

Rating: 5/5

In a lot of ways, The Infinite Sea serves as the traditional placeholder in a trilogy - the middle book where not much happens except a lot of setting up for the final novel. It is definitely less epic in scope than the first book. 

But Yancey continues to surprise the reader with unexpected twists and different perspectives. For the first time, we get inside the head of Ringer, the grim teenage girl who was recruited as a soldier in the last book and helped Cassie and her group escape. She quickly became my favorite character in this book - tough, resourceful, and intelligent, Ringer is a total badass. She is stoic but not unemotional, expressing her feelings in unexpected ways. Ringer does what she wants and doesn't allow herself to be pushed around by anyone - even genocidal aliens. 

In The Infinite Sea, we learn more about the alien's plot to take over the world but the answers we're given only lead to more unanswered questions. There is still a mystery to be solved here and I'm hoping the third book will be the final piece to the puzzle. This isn't your typical alien invasion - there's a lot of nuance to it. I love the complexity of the plot in all its twists and turns. 

Another thing I love about this series is the philosophical questions it raises: What does it mean to be human? What sacrifices do you have to make in order to retain your humanity? Is it even worth retaining or is survival the only thing that matters? The characters in this book face hard choices and must weigh every decision - any wrong move might cost them their lives. 

If I have any criticism for The Infinite Sea, it's that, at times, it feels a tad overwritten. Yancey clearly loves to play with language and creates passages of stunning imagery - but it sometimes gets in the way of the plot. 

The Infinite Sea is a masterful follow-up to The 5th Wave and I cannot wait to see how it all ends in The Last Star. 

Suicide Reviews: The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey

 

Synopsis: After the 1st Wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th Wave, just one rule applies: trust no one.

Now it's the dawn of the 5th Wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother - or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up. 

From award-winning author Rick Yancey comes a gripping epic of catastrophic loss, unthinkable odds, and unflinching courage.

Date Published: May 7, 2013

Published By: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Number of Pages: 457

Rating: 5/5

I am so glad this book lived up to the hype. Even though I'm excited for the upcoming film adaptation, I know it will only pale in comparison to this epic sci-fi tale of survival and resilience. 

From the very first page I was sucked into the story. I plowed through the first hundred pages without looking up, and when I did, it was like waking from an incredibly vivid dream. I actually had to remind myself that aliens hadn't invaded the planet in reality (at least not yet.) That type of realism for such a fantastical story is awe-inspiring. It made me think that if aliens did invade our planet, it would happen exactly as it did in The 5th Wave.

I loved all of the characters and the complex, ever-shifting dynamics between them. The relationship between Cassie and Evan Walker is particularly intriguing. I won't spoil anything, but I did figure out what eventually happens between them long before it actually happened. Of course, this may have been because I saw the trailer for the movie, and guessed the twist from there. (Come on, movie trailers, could you be any more obvious?)  

The aliens in this book are some of my favorite that I've ever come across in science fiction. Of course, I'll always have a soft spot for sexy aliens, like Daemon Black from the Lux series, but, man, do I love me some evil, destructive aliens hell-bent on world domination. The structure Yancey uses to describe the invasion with the different Waves is masterful - both chilling and completely convincing. 

The 5th Wave is exactly the kind of post-apocalyptic alien-invasion story I've been looking for. I can't believe it's taken me this long to read it. This book isn't just for young adult sci-fi fans - adult readers will love it too. 

The 5th Wave Movie Trailer 

January 2016 Reading Wishlist

 January 5

Passenger (Passenger #1) by Alexandra Bracken

  

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

A time travel romance that sounds like the YA version of Outlander. 

Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

In the Witchlands, certain people are born with a 'witchery' a magical skill that sets them apart from others. This sounds similar to the Graceling series and with a blurb from Sarah J. Maas, I am really looking forward to this one. 

Endure (Defy #3) by Sara B. Larson

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

The third book in Sara B. Larson's Defy series. 

Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda Drake

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

A book about a girl who discovers the ability to jump to the world's most beautiful libraries. Throw in a love triangle and a wizard and this one is definitely going on my TBR list. 

Cruel Crown (Red Queen 0.1-0.2)

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Collects the two novellas in the Red Queen series. 

This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Told from four different perspectives over the course of 54 minutes, this book chronicles the devastation of a school shooting.

The Children's Home by Charles Lambert

Genre: Horror

A mysterious group of children appear to a disfigured recluse and his county doctor and make bizarre discoveries in his crumbling mansion.

January 12

Bookishly Ever After (Ever After #1) by Isabel Bandeira

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Phoebe, who prefers fictional boys to real ones, attempts to emulate her favorite YA heroines when she discovers that Dev, a very real hot guy, might have a crush on her. 

This Census-Taker by China Mieville

Genre: Fantasy

A new novella from the master of New Weird fiction. 

The Invitation-Only Zone: The True Story of North Korea's Abduction Project by Robert S. Boynton

Genre: Non Fiction

Boynton explores the history of North Korean spies kidnapping Japanese citizens in the 1970s and '80s.

January 19

Sword and Verse (Sword and Verse #1) by Kathy MacMillan

 

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
In an oppressive kingdom where literacy is forbidden to everyone except royalty, Raisa, sold into slavery at a young age, is taught by her father to read and write in order to become a Learned One.

Shade Me (Nikki Kill #1) by Jennifer Brown


Genre: Young Adult Mystery
Nikki Kill can see the colors of emotions and certain situations thanks to a rare condition called synesthesia. When a popular girl from Nikki's high school is brutally attacked, Nikki must use her unique senses to unravel the mystery behind what happened.

January 26

The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry


Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Natalie Cleary must risk her future and leap blindly into a vast unknown for the chance to build a new world with the boy she loves.

Front Lines (Soldier Girl #1) by Michael Grant


Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
An alternate history that re-imagines World War II with girl soldiers fighting on the front lines.

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders


Genre: Fantasy/Science Fiction
A love story that combines fantasy, science fiction and the end of the world.

Scarlet Women: The Scandalous Lives of Courtesans, Concubines, and Royal Mistresses by Ian Graham


Genre: Non Fiction
I love sexy non fiction books like this!

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2016

 

There are so many good books coming out in 2016, it's hard to narrow it down to just ten but I did my best! Tell me what books you're most looking forward to in 2016!

1.) Stars Above by Marissa Meyer

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Release Date: February 2

I fell in love with the Lunar Chronicles this year and was so sad to see it end. That's why I am so excited for this collection of short stories! 

2.) Glass Sword (Red Queen #2) by Victoria Aveyard

Release Date: February 9

I've yet to read Red Queen but this is a series I definitely want to be caught up on. I've heard a lot of good things about it so I hope it lives up to the hype!

3.) The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire #1) by C.J. Redwine

Release Date: February 16

All I know about this book is that it is a Snow White retelling and that there is some sort of dragon huntsman(!) in it. I cannot wait for this one!

4.) Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 8

I've only read City of Bones and that was a few years ago so I know I have a lot of reading to catch up on when it comes to Cassandra Clare but I always collect her books as they are released. Lady Midnight will be no exception. That cover is exquisite!

5.) The Winner's Kiss (The Winner's Trilogy #3) by Marie Rutkoski

Release Date: March 29

Another series I haven't started yet but will definitely be catching up on before the third and final book is released. So many people have been raving about this series and I'm dying to know what all of the fuss is about. (I'm really glad they settled that whole kerfuffle about the cover changes and I'll be able to have a matching set!)

6.) Half Lost (The Half Bad Trilogy #3) by Sally Green

Release Date: March 29

I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN NATHAN AND GABRIEL!

7.) In the Labyrinth of Drakes (Memoir by Lady Trent #4) by Marie Brennan

Release Date: April 5

This series is about dragons and has some of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen. But I haven't read the other books in the series yet! I'm hoping to get around to it this year. 

8.) Soldier (Talon #3) by Julie Kagawa

Release Date: April 26

Yet another series about dragons that I haven't started. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH ME?

9.) A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: May 3

A Court of Thorns and Roses was one of my favorite reads of 2015 and quickly became one of my favorite books of all time. Right after I finished it, I staggered around the house shouting 'NEED MORE! MUST HAVE MORE BOOK! Needless to say, this is my MOST ANTICIPATED book of 2016. 

10.) The Last Star (The 5th Wave #3) by Rick Yancey

Release Date: May 24

I have a feeling this already-popular series will gain even more attention with the upcoming release of the film adaptation. The first one is still on my TBR list but I will definitely be reading it before I go see the movie.

Top Ten Tuesday is an original tag created by The Broke and the Bookish. Go check them out!